PHF replaces Olympians with technocrats in structural overhaul

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has removed former Olympians from administrative management, appointing technocrats to its key positions in a bid to professionalise the sport.

Currently, Mohiyuddin Wani is handling PHF matters in an ad hoc capacity as president. He has delegated the responsibilities of secretary general to Brigadier (retd) Akmal Aziz. The post of treasurer has been filled by Captain (retd) Farukh Atiq Khan, who has also been appointed head of the Pakistan hockey team travelling to Egypt for the World Cup qualifier.

According to sources, there is a strong possibility that Pakistan hockey may be run in the future through a governing board model similar to that of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Officials noted that former Olympians struggled with managing administrative affairs. Conflicts among former heroes, personal interests, alleged corruption, politicisation of the sport, and decisions made outside merit have all contributed to the decline of Pakistan hockey.

Following these challenges, the PHF has introduced a professional governance model for the first time. An Adhoc Governance and Management Committee has been formed to oversee the federation’s administration, while a Professional Development Committee, co-chaired by Olympians Hassan Sardar and Islahuddin, will manage technical matters such as national team selection, specialised training, and setting benchmarks for coaches and players.

“The reforms reflect our commitment to transparency and professional merit,” a PHF spokesperson said. “By involving technical experts and experienced professionals, we aim to restore Pakistan hockey to its former prominence.” Only players with direct experience of the sport will be employed for managing hockey grounds, while other key areas will be handled by professionals.

Read: PHF forms governance committee to chart course for hockey's revival

As part of the restructuring, the PHF has separated corporate governance, marketing, and resource mobilisation from technical hockey operations to ensure specialised oversight. The newly appointed committee members are as follows, Captain Farrukh Atique will handle Human Resources and Finance; Shakeel Shah (Member Customs) will oversee Departmental Coordination and Outreach; Amir Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of Jazz, will lead Corporate and Marketing Support; Ghulam Ali Mallah, Executive Director of Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC), will manage School and College Sports Promotion; and Brigadier (retd) Akmal Aziz will be responsible for Services and Institutional Coordination.

The restructuring comes in the wake of Pakistan's hockey chief, Tariq Bugti resigning from his post on February 19, a day after the prime minister ordered an inquiry into a shambolic tour of Australia that saw the national team scrubbing dishes in a guest house, a standoff between the national squad and team management cast a shadow over Pakistan's preparations for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.

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